Eduardo Vieira

Sports newspaper

Sao Jose dos Campos, SP - Coach Paulo Chupeta celebrates Flamengo's good form in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). So far, they have won three matches (Pinheiros, Paulistano, and Minas Tênis), all away from home. On Tuesday, the Rubro-Negro, the reigning Brazilian champion, continues its tour against São José dos Campos at their opponent's stadium. "The team played very well in these matches and has been improving. We struggled a bit in our debut against Pinheiros, largely due to the quality of our opponent, but also due to our lack of rhythm. Against Paulistano, it was different, and Flamengo played very well. Against Minas, we started well, slipped up a bit, but after a tactical change, Flamengo improved and won the game without any problems," comments Chupeta, known as the strategist, for carefully studying every move of his opponents. About São José de Campos, much respect. "They're a dangerous team, coming off a victory over Limeira. I have no doubt we'll face many challenges. But Flamengo has a quality squad and all the conditions to assert itself again away from home," explains the coach, who is thrilled with the winning streak. "If we win these next two away games, we'll be able to maintain this advantage in the future. The games against Limeira and Brasília will be in Rio. The goal, as always, is to finish first and have home-court advantage in the final. In Rio, our wonderful fans make all the difference," says Chupeta, the only legitimate four-time state champion. Ary?VidalThis Saturday, Flamengo's new basketball director, Ary Vidal, was introduced to the players. With a successful basketball background, he arrives to fully support the coach and Flamengo players. "He's a great addition to Flamengo. He's a guy who managed to beat the United States with the national team, on their home turf, in the 1987 Pan American Games. He's a professional who knows basketball and Flamengo very well. His experience will be a huge help to us in our campaign for our second state championship." Chupeta, during his playing days, was coached by Ary Vidal. "Rio de Janeiro is a school of coaches. All the basketball champions have come from here. Just mention Kanella (two-time world champion), Miguel Ângelo (world champion), and Ary Vidal (Pan American champion). It's a city of lights."